st. patrick’s day

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a St. Paddy’s Day pint in Halifax? We’ve rounded up a list of Celtic pubs that will get you in a celebratory spirit

By Trevor Adams

You won’t need a four-leafed clover to have a jolly time at these local Celtic hot spots. On March 17, the line will start forming at sun-up outside The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse on Prince Street. Enjoy traditional music throughout the day, a pint of ale from the old sod, and Irish cuisine like lamb stew.

A local favourite for an after-work tipple, Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub on Argyle Street boasts an array of popular pub grub. the Banger Burger is sure to satisfy hungry carnivores.

Across the harbour in Dartmouth, Jamieson’s Irish Pub on Cumberland Drive is a must for craft-beer lovers, with sixteen taps showcasing Nova Scotia’s best.

In celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, Irish pub doors will open between nine and 10 in the morning for a daylong celebration featuring hearty Irish food and flavourful beer and whisky. Here are a few places to get your jig on.

St. Patrick's Day at Ceilis, 2011

James Joyce Irish Pub on Stephen Avenue Walk is the epicentre of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Calgary. Musical guest Fraid Knot will perform Celtic rock while Guinness and whisky flow. For $30 VIP tickets, call 403-262-0708 or pay $10 cover at the door. 114 – 8 Ave SW

The Joyce on 4th Irish Pub is set to get St. Patrick’s Day festivities rolling early with its St. Patrick’s Day Eve party on March 16. Happy hour from 4 – 6 pm and Guinness specials 6 – 8 pm are followed with a performance by Celtic band, Glasgow Kiss at 8 pm. Call 403-541-9168 for reservations. 506 – 24th Ave SW (more…)

Looking for St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Canada? Whether you’re Irish or not, you’re in luck. From ceilidhs to fiddling, film festivals to (if you must) green beer, Irish-Canadian pride shines its brightest shade of green this week and next! (more…)

Friday: The Kodo Drummers of Japan bring their forceful rhythms to the Sony Centre

Friday, March 11 Enjoy the dazzling showmanship and primal rhythms of the world-famous Kodo Drummers of Japanas they take the stage for the Toronto stop of the group’s 30th-anniversary tour. This dazzling display of speed, dexterity, precision, and muscular endurance takes place tonight at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Canadian Music Week Film Festival—just one of many events comprising Canadian Music Week, from March 9 to 13—screens today and Saturday at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The festival showcases 10 features and a handful of shorts, including rock docs, concert films, band biographies, and musicals.

Dog lovers and pet owners are advised to make tracks to the Purina National Dog Show, which opens today at the International Centre in Mississauga, and features hundreds of purebred canines strutting their stuff in competition. A number of vendors are also on-hand with the latest in doggie gear and accessories.

Saturday: Janet Jackson offers an intimate, all-hits concert

Saturday, March 12 Ms. Janet Jackson herselfstrides onto the Sony Centre stage for her international “Number Ones, Up Close and Personal” tour. The accomplished singer is set to perform top tracks from her Number Ones album in a personal, intimate setting.

Stroll through the bustling streets of Kensington Market on the Kensington Foodies Roots Walk, which has been featured on CNN and in National Geographic Traveler. From 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., you’ll be able to savour the diverse foods from the ethnic markets, stalls and restaurants.

Start March Break on a high note by making your way to the Toronto Zoo. Starting today and continuing through the week, the zoo offers additional family-fun activities, events, and keeper talks.

Sunday: Enjoy a day at Spring Fling

Sunday, March 13 An excellent daytime activity to kick off your March Break is Spring Fling, Canada’s largest indoor carnival. Enjoy the midway with rides, family entertainment, and exotic animals. All-day ride tickets at this Rogers Centre event are $20, and the fun continues to March 18.

Satisfy Harry Potter fantasies at the Wizard World Indoor Family Fun Park, which opens today and runs to March 20 at Exhibition Place’s Better Living Centre. The park features 150,000 square feet of indoor fun: food and drinks, professional stage shows, 20 carnival rides, free loot bags for kids under 12, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and much more.

Put on your best green outfit and shamrock buttons to engage in a little Irish revelry. The Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins today at noon. The annual procession starts at Bloor and St. George streets, marches east to Yonge, and then south toward Nathan Phillips Square.

You’ll want to extend your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for another 24 hours as the godfathers of traditional Canadian-Irish folk music make a rare visit to Halifax. Best known for “The Unicorn,” the group has been together for 45 years. Check out The Irish Rovers in the Schooner Showroom at Casino Nova Scotia on March 18.